Iran team land in Los Angeles ahead of their World Cup opener
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The Iranian soccer team arrived in the United States on Sunday hours before US President Donald Trump’s announcement about an agreement toward peace with Iran.
The squad landed in Los Angeles after flying from Tijuana, Mexico, a day ahead of their World Cup opener against New Zealand on Monday.
It’s the first time in World Cup history that a host nation is at war with one of the participants.
The team’s training camp is based in Mexico and will have to commute to the US for their matches, under current arrangements by US authorities.
“I hope that football will bring about joy and enjoyment, and bring closer the cultures and countries,” Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said in a press conference at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, Reuters news agency reported.
The team have had to contend with visa delays, immigration restrictions and travel bans, and Ghalenoei said these logistical challenges had negatively affected the squad, according to Reuters.
Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi said they play for all Iranians, including those living in the country or abroad. “We are trying to bring joy to all Iranians. Through football, we will make the civilized nation of Iran more united,” he said, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
Some Iranian-Americans earlier told CNN they plan to boycott the tournament, saying that the Islamic Republic’s political grip on the sport runs too deep to ignore.
Others said their heart still remains with the national squad nonetheless.
